November 26th, 2009 8:37pm PST My Power Rankings (Updated prior to Thanksgiving games)
1. New Orleans (10-0): The Saints have used a balanced mix of their big play offense and an opportunistic defense to remain undefeated, but Monday will prove to be their biggest test this season. 2. Indianapolis (10-0): The Colts seem to enjoy playing with fire, taking both of their last two matchups down the wire. In week eight only a wide left field goal attempt by Texan's kicker Kris Brown spared the Colts a defeat. If Manning and the boys hope to avoid disaster a third time, they'd better not let this one stay close. 3. Minnesota (9-1): In many circles some may have the Vikings actually ranked higher. There is no question over the past several weeks no team is playing better than Minnesota. In their last three wins the Vikes are outscoring their opponents by average 33-15. 4. Cincinnati (7-3): The Bengals have had somewhat of a wacky season. In 2009 they have defeated both the Ravens and the Steelers twice and they could very easily be 9-1; and by all rights should be except for a flukie play in week one and a fumble in week 10 against them darn Raiders. 5. New England (7-3): Despite their loss to the Colts a couple of weeks ago, with the way that Tom Brady is now playing the Patriots will be one of the most feared AFC teams heading toward the playoffs. With all of the anticipation, Monday night's matchup will be classic even just after the coin toss. 6. San Diego (7-3): The Chargers were more than likely hardly the topic of the NFL post season after their week six loss to the Broncos that dropped them to 2-3. Well that was five weeks ago and five wins later, you have to start mentioning Rivers and the San Diego gang as one of the better teams in the AFC. 7. Arizona (7-3): Whether people would like to admit it or not, last year's fluke is proving to be anything but. The Cardinals are winning the games they should and when healthy Warner still looks like the gunslinger that took this team to the NFC title game a year ago. 8. Dallas (7-3): Prior to their Thanksgiving matchup with the Raiders the boys from Texas had earn themselves the top spot in the NFC East. With a win on Thursday, believe it or not Romo and company keep inching just a little closer to the post season. 9. Pittsburgh (6-4): The struggling Steelers are in danger of falling further behind the Bengals with a tough matchup this week against the Ravens and possibly no Big Ben. 10. Philadelphia (6-4): The Eagles have had their lumps this season, but without a sustained running game and no Westbrook, how far can head coach Andy Reid ride McNabbs arm. This week's divisional matchup with the Redskins won't be a walk in the park.
By David Ortega Check back every week for more of my "Power Rankings!”
November 24th, 2009 5:37pm PST
My NFL Headlines
Colts remain perfectIt wasn’t pretty, but Peyton Manning and company will take it. Against a stingy Raven’s defense Manning had to rely on some help from his friends; his defense. The Colts defense came up with some big stops late in the game to preserve the 17-15 win over Baltimore. This could become the fashionable trend for Indianapolis as they move deeper into the schedule. Teams will be gunning to take down the undefeated Colts, so don’t expect to see too many second half of the season blowouts.
Cards survive two scares
The Cardinals were very fortunate on Sunday to survive a couple of scares. First, the outcome of their week 11 matchup with the Rams was not decided until very late. Only a fourth down scramble and fumble by quarterback Marc Bulger saved the game for the Cardinals. Their second scare was the injury to quarterback Kurt Warner. The Cards starter was knocked out of the game at the end of the first half with what is now being called a mild concussion. The good news Warner is expected to start Sunday against the Titans.
Chargers seize the West
You could see this coming from miles away, even a mile high away. With both team heading in opposite direction the Sunday matchup between the Charger and Broncos pretty much played out as expected. The biggest surprise was the fashion in which San Diego dominated the Broncos at Denver. The 32-3 win avenged an earlier loss this season to Denver and catapulted the Chargers into first place all alone, a full game up on the Broncos.
Favre shoots down Seahawks
It has been a magical ride for Brett Favre and the Vikings this season and it hardly looks like this drive will end soon. Favre and the Vikings patented offense looked to be on cruise control rolling up five touchdowns on their way to their ninth win this season. In the team’s last three games, the Vikings offense is averaging 33 points per game and this season they have scored 30 or more points six times (they are also 6-0 when they do).
Owens blows up in loss
The Bills must have finally realized what they have lining up on offense on the outside, or at least quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick did on Sunday. Fitzpatrick looked Owens direction constantly on Sunday targeting his big play wideout 14 times. Despite the loss on against the Jaguars, the Bills gained a lot of knowledge learning that they CAN get the ball to T.O.; Nine catches, 197 yards, and a score.
Detroit wins shootout win BrownsIt figures it would happen when two of the worst defenses clashed, but for Cleveland and Detroit it was a breath of fresh air to see their young quarterbacks play well. The Brown’s Brady Quinn looked good passing for more than 300 yards with four touchdowns, but it was Detroit’s rookie that stole Sunday’s show. Stafford suffered a crushing hit during the Lions final drive that had apparently knocked him out of the game, but a saving timeout allowed him to re-enter in time to throw the game winner; his fifth touchdown of the day. Nice job rook.
By David Ortega
Check back every week for more of MY “NFL Headlines!”
November 18th, 2009
What's Happening: Just My Thoughts
Recent NFL News
Johnson signs with BengalsThe Bengals signed troubled running back Larry Johnson to a one year deal earlier this week. The move undoubtedly was insurance in case starter Cedric Benson goes down here in the second half.
The Bengals are looking more and more like a real contender in the AFC and have to be thinking playoffs. With Benson going out on Sunday the team recognized it's lack of quality depth at the position. The team is going to need to be able to lean on it's ground game if it hopes to go deep into the playoffs.
When healthy Larry Johnson is a proven commodity with great size and speed. In recent years the troubled back has fallen off the map, but with a fresh start and at the right price the Bengals are looking for him just to be there "just in case."
For now Cedric Benson is the guy in Cincy and unless something happens that is not likely to change. I wouldn't expect to see much from LJ in the Bengals stripes and if Benson remains healthy through the playoffs don't be surprised to see the team eventually release him in the offseason.
Just my thoughts...
November 18th, 2009 11:30pm PST
My NFL Headlines
Colts and Saints: Not so Perfect
Through nine weeks the Colts and Saints have managed to keep their records flawless at 9-0, but their undefeated records have hardly been perfect. Over the past couple of weeks both teams have been taken down to the wire, just managing to avert disaster in the closing moments. Last Sunday's matchups with the Patriots and Rams were great examples. Both teams advertise dominance, but in recent games their have been chinks in their armor suggesting perfection could be slipping away.
Bengals own the North
With their huge road win on Sunday over the Steelers, only the lowly Browns remain with a chance to smear the Bengals perfect division record in 2009. Not only are the Cats from Ohio 5-0 in the division, but they have managed to knock off both of last year's AFC championship participants the Ravens and the Steelers. From 4-11-1 and a franchise in turmoil, behind head coach Marvin Lewis and an outspoken Ochocinco the troops in Cincy have rallied and risen from the ashes to become the class of the North. What a difference a year can make.
Chargers look primed to retake West
When the season began it was a fast start by Denver and the usual slow out of the gate beginnings by the Chargers that had many folks in San Diego questioning what 2009 would bring. When the two teams met on Monday night four weeks ago, both appeared to be heading in opposite directions. With Denver at 6-0 and the Chargers 2-3, it certainly appeared that way. Since that meeting the Chargers have rang up four straight wins, while Denver has dropped its last three. With both teams again heading in opposite directions, the Chargers are looking primed to retake the West with a monumental mile high showdown with the Broncos at Invesco Field this Sunday.
Vikings starting to Roll
When the 2009 season began very few knew really what to expect, after all Favre's arrival to Minneapolis was not exactly met with open arms by all. There was some indifference and resistance by some of the media as well as the fans, but fortunately for the rest of football fanatics Favre made the choice to play. And when you think about the many critics that questioned whether at 40 he could play; averaging 300 yards passing with eight touchdowns in his last four starts, questions anyone? Favre has the Vikings rolling at 8-1 and looking like a prime contender to take the NFC.
